Overall Statistics (as of December 2025)
As of December 2025, there have been 13,737 summits of Everest, corresponding to a 43% success rate. Of those who reached the summit, 7,563 different people have stood on the top. 339 people have died on all routes.
Nepal remains the more popular and more deadly side. 9,887 summits and 229 deaths were recorded on the Nepalese side, corresponding to a death rate of approximately 2.3%. On the Tibetan side, there were 3,850 summits and 110 deaths, a death rate of 2.8%.
The use of supplemental oxygen remains one of the strongest predictors of survival. 180 of the 339 deaths occurred among climbers ascending without supplemental oxygen.
Tibet or Nepal?
The Nepalese side remains the most popular route and has recorded the highest absolute number of fatalities. The Tibetan side has recorded a slightly higher percentage of deaths — 2.8%, but a comparable normalized mortality rate — 1.05.
Deaths Rise with the Number of Climbers
Since 2000, Everest has experienced an unprecedented influx of climbers. 15,781 people climbed above Base Camp in Nepal from 2000 to 2025, nearly triple the total number for the previous 80 years.
Throughout Everest's history (1921–2025), 339 people have died on the mountain. The average number of deaths increased to approximately seven deaths per year from 2010 to 2025.
Standard Routes — 98% vs. Non-Standard Routes — 2%
Only 187 ascents (1.4% of the total) reached the summit via non-standard routes. These non-standard ascents were accompanied by 70 deaths (21% of all deaths on Everest).
The End of New Routes?
The last time a new route was climbed on Everest was in 2009. Attempts to establish new routes have been rare since then.
Oxygen, Ascents, and Deaths
Climbing Everest without supplemental oxygen remains exceptionally rare. Only 232 climbers have reached the summit without oxygen since 1953.
- Climbers using oxygen were twenty times more likely to reach the summit.
- The risk of death without oxygen was slightly higher.
Sherpa Support and Ascents
Over the last 15 years, Everest has experienced a rapid growth in the number of Sherpas reaching the summit. The support ratio has changed from 1:4 (25%) in the early decades to 2:1 (200%) currently on the Nepalese side.
Everest — An Irresistible Attraction
The number of ascents on Everest has been steadily increasing since 1992. Despite a sharp increase in prices and various disasters, Everest continues to attract climbers in ever greater numbers.
Interest in climbing Everest has been growing steadily even after incidents such as the 1996 disaster, the 2014 Sherpa strike, the 2015 earthquake, and COVID-19.
Tragedies, restrictions, and rising costs seem to only enhance Everest's allure. Bad news does not deter climbers; it attracts them.
Source: Alan Arnette ↗, Alan Arnette
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